Colors and Matrix

Discover what Persian blue turquoise looks like, which colors make turquoise less valuable, and how matrix can make these stones look very attractive.

Gold Collar

This gold collar is set with a turquoise cabochon of fine texture and color. How do you like the turquoise color against the gold? - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA, gift of Touraine Family Trust

Dark Matrix

This cabochon has a large amount of dark matrix. The cabochon’s rich color and matrix pattern make the stone eye-catching. - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA

Intarsia Box

An intarsia box is decorated with a mosaic design usually made of wood and other natural materials. This intarsia box includes flat pieces of turquoise as part of its design. Can you point out the turquoise in the design? - Photo © GIA and Tino Hammid, gift of Carol and Fred Seeman

Aztec Art

This icon of Aztec art from the fifteenth to sixteenth century was probably worn on the chest during ceremonial occasions. Think of the rich history it must have! - Photo © The Trustees of the Brittish Museum

Turquoise Nugget

This rough turquoise nugget from China weighs over 470 grams (about one pound). - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA, gift of James L. Peach, Sr.

Light Green Turquoise

These turquoise cabochons have a light green color. Stones like these might be treated to improve their color and durability. - Photo by Eric Welch/GIA

Host Rock

Turquoise is usually embedded in its host rock, like this specimen from Iran. Here it looks like rock wrapped in turquoise ribbon. - Photo by Dr. E. J. Gübelin/GIA

Robin's Egg Blue

Fine turquoise—as blue and fresh as a spring sky—were a big part of past and present civilazations. A nickname for it is “robin’s egg blue.”

Spiderweb Turquoise

The matrix in this spiderweb turquoise is an evenly displayed network of thin lines. It is very pleasing to the eye!

Southwestern Designs

This is turquoise in free-form shapes and set in rugged-looking sterling silver jewelry. It is popular in the American Southwest. - Photo courtesy Neil Koppes

Pegged Nuggets

This interesting “Pegged Nugget” bracelet contains about 100 flat turquoise nuggets that are attached with flat silver pegs. - Photo by Maha Tannous/GIA, gift of Robert Lee Morris